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Future of Transportation is Electric Not Fuel, is Africa Ready?
By Timi Olubiyi, PhD
The year 2025 comes with a lot of hope and many aspirations, one of such is the increased benefits and possibilities around electric vehicles (EVs).
Even though, it is no more news and that it does not come as a surprise that the petrol and diesel-powered automobile/cars we have long been accustomed to still dominate the motoring landscape and indeed Africa with all the innovations and developments around mobility and transportation.
No doubt, the world is advancing clean and renewable energy options in particular around electric vehicles (EV) adaptations. More so the popularity of EVs is growing and the disruption is already rapid in developed economies. But what baffles the author is that Nigeria seems not to be bothered and we continuously move on with our daily tasks without referencing what happens around us globally.
It is a common knowledge that the way to go is net zero emissions by 2050 across all business units and supply chains including transportation. This is a key priority and a growing renewable energy footprint around the world but Africa is to the contrary from context observation.
From the records and with a follow up survey by the author in 2024 across the Republic of Ireland a small country with a population of less than 6 million, as it stands four out of every five homes now power their cars with 100% electric because the future of energy is electric.
Such acceptance can promote energy security, zero-emission, reduced energy cost and sustainable future easily without any economic concerns. Is this achievable in Nigeria in the nearest future? Achieving net-zero emissions in Africa presents significant challenge due to factors like limited access to reliable electricity, reliance on traditional fuels, and underdeveloped and old infrastructure.
In Nigeria and indeed most countries in Africa transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with traditional gasoline(fuel) and diesel vehicles being primary sources of air pollution and environmental degradation.
In response to these concerns, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could represent a significant shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options yet we are at the infant stage of adoption on the continent. As the world grapples with climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, electric vehicles offer a promising solution to reduce pollution, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability.
Therefore, this piece presents key benefits, and the need to explore policy options for future potential of electric vehicles in Nigeria and indeed on the continent of Africa.
From observation, one of the most compelling benefit of wide spread usage of electric vehicles is their environmental impact. Unlike traditional vehicles that run on internal combustion engines, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries, which means they produce zero emissions. This can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and the likes where traffic congestion and poor air quality are major concerns.
By shifting from gasoline(fuel) to electricity, EVs can help reduce the number of harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which are linked to health challenges and serios climate change. Emissions, primarily carbon dioxide is a key driver of climate change. The gas is usually trap heat in the atmosphere gradually warming up the planet and causing intense heat wave and disruption of the ecosystems.
So, to reduce the emissions of CO2 from combustion engines, working by burning fuel and overheating with high engine noise, electric vehicles are desirable. Because they more energy-efficient compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, more so, EVs are with less maintenance culture and repair expectations are low.
In fact, EVs are more cost-effective in the long run, despite high initial purchase price because over time the operational costs of running are lower. Believe it or not, EVs have fewer moving parts compared to conventional cars, where there is no need for oil changes, oil filters and radiator or coolants.
In fact, the brake systems tend to last longer because of regenerative braking technology, a feature common in many electric vehicles. The cost of electricity for charging is also typically lower than the cost of the usual fuel or diesel, further reducing the lifetime costs of owning an EV.
With all the aforementioned the future of electric vehicles looks promising but technological advancements in battery storage, such as solid-state batteries and faster-charging technologies, are expected to improve to enhance the overall EVs performance, its affordability, and convenience.
As the global demand for clean energy grows globally, it is the hope of the author that governments in Africa in particular Nigeria will step up their efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Though effort on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) promotion is high in Nigeria in recent times which is a clear alternative to high cost of fuel currently but the real global standard and future of transportation is electric.
Many countries have now introduced stricter emissions regulations, offering financial incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and subsidies to make EVs more accessible to consumers Nigeria should not be an exemption, our government can also initiate similar policies.
Additionally, several governments have set ambitious goals to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles in favor of zero-emission models EVs within the next few decades, Africa can also start promoting this.
In addition, businesses and investments drive can be channeled into this developing critical area. Such as investment in home charging solutions, public charging infrastructure,wide spread charging stations, encouraging car manufacturers and private companies to set up assembling plants in Africa countries.
Investing inhome charging solutions, will make it easier for individuals to charge their vehicles overnight. Theseinvestment options and widespread infrastructure will help reduce range anxiety and make electric vehicles a more viable option for everyday consumers in Africa.
While challenges such as charging infrastructure, battery costs, and range limitations remain, ongoing advancements in technology, along with supportive policies and growing consumer demand, are driving the transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation systemthios can also happen in Africa.
As electric vehicles become more affordable and accessible, they have the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Good luck!
How may you obtain advice or further information on the article?
Dr Timi Olubiyi, an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria. A prolific investment coach, adviser, author, columnist, seasoned scholar, Member of the Institute of Directors, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: [email protected], for any questions, reactions, and comments.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author- Dr Timi Olubiyi and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of others.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has provided a financing facility worth about $100 million to assist Lagride expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Lagos State.
The loan would also be used by the company to scale its Drive-to-Own programme and enable 3,500 Lagos drivers to transition from daily earners into long-term asset owners, business operators and mobility investors.
The partnership strengthens Lagos State’s transportation ecosystem and accelerates the shift toward a structured, technology-enabled and financially bankable mobility sector.
Over the past 10 months, Lagride has rebuilt its entire onboarding and operational system for drivers, known as Lagride Captains.
The platform introduced a performance-led Drive-to-Earn structure supported by weekly and monthly rental models. This system has generated consistent 90-day usage and repayment data across the fleet, allowing UBA and other financial institutions to assess driver performance with accuracy, confidence and transparency.
Eligibility for the programme is based on clearly defined performance thresholds, repayment discipline, safety compliance and service consistency.
Through this approach, Lagride has emerged as the most structured, data-driven and credit-ready mobility platform in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for bankable driver financing and asset ownership.
EV Infrastructure Expansion
As part of the milestone, Lagride also unveiled an expanded electric vehicle charging facility in Alausa, Lagos, reinforcing its long-term commitment to clean, future-ready mobility.
The expanded infrastructure is designed to support the growing electric vehicle segment within Lagride’s fleet, reduce operational downtime and enable more efficient, sustainable transportation at scale. By pairing driver financing with practical EV infrastructure, Lagride is positioning itself as a mobility platform built not just for today’s Lagos, but for the next generation of urban transport.
“Lagride was created to give Lagos a modern, disciplined and technology-driven mobility system while ensuring that drivers are not left behind.
“The goal is for drivers who we call Captains to become business owners, fleet partners and mobility investors, not just drivers.
“This $100 million partnership with UBA moves thousands of captains closer to owning productive assets, managing multiple cars and building stronger financial futures. It is a major step forward in our commitment to driver prosperity and the future of smart mobility in Lagos,” the chairman of Lagride, Ms Diana Chen, said.
On his part, the chief executive of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba, said Lagride represents the kind of transformational, well-governed and data-backed initiative that UBA exists to support across Africa.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Nigeria Police Force has said it would begin the enforcement of the controversial tinted glass permit despite an ongoing case in the court.
In a statement on Monday night signed by its spokesman, Mr Benjhami Hundeyin, the police said the reason for the resumption of the enforcement was due to insecurity in the country.
The enforcement, the statement noted, will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026, and motorists who require the tinted glass permit have been encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
The police noted that there was not a time the court prevented it from going ahead with the implementation of the tinted glass permit, noting that this was for the “safety of all citizens.”
“It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles.
“Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure,” parts of the statement today stated.
“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities.
“Consequently, enforcement of tinted glass permit will resume on January 2, 2026,” it declared.
“The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.
“He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure,” the statement added.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 6th edition of the annual Don’t Drink & Drive (DDD) campaign of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), organised in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has officially flagged off.
The safer roads initiative commenced in Lagos with a press interaction and stakeholder briefing attended by FRSC officials, the BSG executive team, transport unions, and media organisations.
The DDD campaign reinforces BSG’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible drinking and safer roads across Nigeria.
Chairman of the group, Mr Carlos Coutino, stressed the industry’s unwavering commitment to road safety and responsible drinking.
“The beer industry remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible drinking advocacy. The Don’t Drink & Drive campaign has been one of the Beer Sectoral Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility programmes since inception, aimed at saving lives and fostering safer transportation habits,” Mr Coutino stated.
In his welcome address, the Corps Commander, Mr Kehinde G. Hamzat, emphasised the heightened dangers on the roads during the festive season and the need for stronger public awareness:
“The risk of road crashes increases significantly during the festive season, which is why we must intensify public sensitization efforts. Collective awareness and responsible choices are critical to saving lives on our roads,” he said.
He lauded the BSG member companies for their consistent support of the FRSC in this initiative over the years, noting that their commitment has made a real impact in reducing avoidable accidents.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to our esteemed stakeholders, Beer Sectoral Group for partnering with the Federal Road Safety Commission in the campaign for continued corporate social responsibility efforts towards ensuring safety on our roads,” he said.
In her closing remarks, the Executive Secretary of BSG, Mrs Abiola Laseinde, thanked the FRSC and transport stakeholders for their continued collaboration, underscoring the vital role of collective action in reducing avoidable accidents caused by drunk driving.
After the event, the team proceeded to major motor parks in Lagos, Berger and Ojota — for the park rallies.
At each location, commercial drivers and road users received safety sensitization, breathalyzer demonstrations, and branded educational materials. The rally also featured direct engagements with transport unions and drivers to reinforce the message of safety and responsible alcohol consumption.
The BSG comprises notable brewers like International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc.
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